Infrastructure projects, 2027 budget focus of Spencer Council meeting
The Spencer Town Council moved efficiently through a wide-ranging agenda during its Sept. 8 meeting, tackling infrastructure financing, upcoming budget preparations, and local department updates.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Council members Evan McKalip and Ginger Kohr were present alongside town clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke and town attorney John McKay. Council president Jon Stantz was absent. Minutes from the previous meeting and claims were approved unanimously.
The focus quickly shifted to major infrastructure investments with a unanimous vote to approve a $152,853.74 payment for Phase 1, Pay Application #2 for Graves Construction, following a review and recommendation by Commonwealth Engineering. Three additional sewer project engineering invoices from Commonwealth, totaling $49,617.20, $3,759.66, and a third task-order invoice, were also unanimously approved, all funded through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. Additionally, two contractor invoices from Steve Egemo received unanimous approval: $5,250 for ADA-compliant work on Jefferson St. and $8,985 for sidewalk replacement on N. East St., which is split between the town and participating homeowners.
Community events and financial planning shared a major portion of the evening. The council unanimously approved the annual MYPath 5k run/walk scheduled for Sept. 12, noting it required police notification and minimal town involvement. Following a public hearing that drew no objections, the council approved additional appropriations. Moke also reported that data entry for the 2027 budget is nearly complete, setting the stage for public hearings ahead of the Nov. 1 statutory deadline.
Departmental reports covered a variety of municipal updates. In Spencer Police Department (SPD) Chief Terry Sips' absence, the council reviewed updates regarding SPD reserve officer training, completed repairs on a 2013 Dodge Ram and a 2023 Dodge Durango, upcoming taser instructor training, and pending facility repairs.
Reporting via email, Spencer Sewer Department Superintendent Ryan Klaassen noted steady sewer plant construction progress, planned concrete rehabilitation for sewer basins three and four, updated job descriptions, and a request to consider appointing an assistant superintendent.
Spencer Street Department Superintendent Tony Floyd reported that a recently rebuilt street section finished slightly over budget, highlighted a new car wash owner’s offer to pave a nearby alley at no cost between West Morgan and West Franklin streets, and discussed managing multiple sewer backups, including one requiring rented equipment.
Park department updates featured completed playground repairs, a pending purchase for digger-scoop playground equipment, and preparations for a bike ride and costume contest fundraiser.
Meanwhile, planning and zoning discussions centered on a Spencer Plan Commission vacancy requiring a Republican town resident, a near-complete accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, resolved final plat issues for Trillium Woods, and general updates to zoning language.
In redevelopment news, officials noted that requests for qualifications (RFQs) for the former Riddle Tractor Sales property were due the following day, with two already received, and the council reaffirmed its commitment to avoiding realtor conflicts of interest. Council members also weighed two competing Main Street grant proposals, expressing a stronger preference for a smaller, downtown-focused option over a larger project that would require substantial local funding.
The meeting concluded with public commentary addressing several neighborhood challenges. A resident reported a fall at the end of a newly-installed N. East St. sidewalk, raising questions about liability and ADA compliance, while ongoing driveway obstructions prompted suggestions for clearer pavement markings and increased police patrols.
The Spencer Town Council regularly meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, located at 90 North West Street. These meetings are open to the public.
